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Kelly’s Nutrition Philosophy

I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, former athlete and current fitness enthusiast who believes that eating real food and leading an active lifestyle are keys to not only physical health, but also mental health and happiness. As a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, I find great joy not only in aiding athletes to perform their best, but also using both research-based nutrition and fitness principles to allow any person to improve their physical and mental energy levels.

In our fast-paced society, advertisements and press make eating well seem too challenging, or promote too much restriction. People deserve nutrition information from not only a valid source, but one that is understanding of their individual needs. The more real nutrition-related knowledge acquired, the easier it is to unlearn poor habits, feel well, be more productive, and become a positive influence on the future of this country—our children. I think nutrition education has to include some of the science of nutrition, or the “why” involved in choosing the right foods as well as how you can start modifying behaviors. The simple “eat this, not that” approach doesn’t work because you already know cocoa puffs are not as good for you as a salad. Americans are conditioned by the media to think that we should be counting calories and swearing off “bad” foods forever. In fact, we need to recognize the whole diet approach and focus our regular meals and snacks around plant-based real food options, while allowing for flexibility. I encourage anyone reading this to recognize that the journey to true health includes readiness and willingness to step out of your comfort zone, set goals, make long term lifestyle changes, be comfortable with food and learn a new trick or two in the kitchen! Additionally, realize that one meal or day’s worth of meals will not define you or cancel out any of the nutritious food decisions you make at other times.

I feel what our bodies need is naturally occurring on this earth, not man-made in a lab. Many people only strive to be skinny and are easily influenced by claims such as “sugar free,” “zero calorie,” “blocks fat,” “melts pounds,” etc. Don’t give into the marketing! Let’s be real. What will artificial sweeteners and colors, fat replacers and stimulants do FOR your body? The processed foods, fad shake diets, excessive supplements, and the quick-fix American mentality make us think we are investing in our health and making our lives easier. In the long run, we’re wasting time and money on things that become bad habits and may hurt our health and negatively influence our appetite instead.

My main goal as a health professional is to empower anyone I can to stop worrying about being “skinny” or “jacked” or “swole” and start focusing on being healthy. Stop starving yourselves, listen to your body, and eat more whole foods in their natural form. Once you do, you’ll feel more energized and confident and your healthy weight will follow.

Kelly’s Nutrition Background

My interest in nutrition was sparked as a young teen. I began to read about the science, learn about our country’s food system and started my first job at a health food store (shout out to Nature’s Way in Stratford, CT!). I knew I wanted to pursue a career in nutrition. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Science with a minor in Exercise Science at the University of Connecticut, completed the dietetic internship program at the University at Buffalo (required prior to sitting for the Registered Dietitian exam), and also completed my Master’s Degree in Clinical Nutrition with a concentration in Exercise Science at UB. I work as a full time faculty member (an Assistant Professor) at Bucks County Community College in Newtown, PA. Kelly Jones Performance Nutrition -aims to Optimally Fuel your Body and Mind with expertise in sports nutrition and wellness. I am a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics. This is a NCCA Accredited Certification that you can find out more about here: CSSD.

I grew up as a competitive swimmer and continued competing throughout college as a Division I athlete at UConn. I transitioned into running after graduation and now love to compete in distance runs and triathlons. My experiences, knowledge, and love of good food allow me to relate well to athletes and active individuals of all ages as whether in a one on one or group setting. For more information on working with Kelly or booking her to speak to your group, click here.

If you have questions about becoming a Registered Dietitian,
feel free to email me at kelly.jonesrd@gmail.com.
I know from experience that the process can be confusing and since I have experience advising students as a professor,
I am happy to help you find the best educational path for you!

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7 thoughts on “Kelly’s Nutrition Philosophy”

Kelly,
Are you familiar with this products and is the healthy.
Called PB2, powdered peanut butter, by Bell Plantations
As I read your post, I realize it’s not a product my grandmother would recognize.
Thoughts?
Georgie Tice

Hi Georgie!! Great question, I get a lot of inquiries on powdered peanut butter. While I am not going to demonize the stuff, I do like to point out that when the fat is removed from peanuts, so are fat soluble nutrients. There are certain vitamins and other beneficial compounds that are in the fat portion of foods and we need fat to absorb into our body. So, if the fat is removed from a product, those nutrients cannot remain. Vitamin E is one of those nutrients and is the vitamin Americans are least likely to be eating enough of. It is essential to maintaining immunity, good skin and blood health but is also a very important antioxidant! PB2 and other powdered PB’s remove this vitamin as well as healthy mono-unsaturated fats that we need to reduce inflammation in the body.
If you are baking and really want to throw in powdered PB instead of peanut butter to lighten up an already not so healthy recipe, go for it, but on a daily basis have the real stuff. It is healthier and more filling! Hope this helps 🙂

Hi Kelly my daughter swims for Tri Hampton YMCA, we are interested in having you come speak to our swimmers. We practice from 4:30-7:00, or Saturday mornings from 7-10:00 at Bucks Co Community College. Can you tell me what you would charge to do a presentation on nutrition for swimmers? Thank you!

Hi Roseann! Great! Send me an email at Kelly.jonesrd@gmail.com. We can find a time talk over the phone and I can give you pricing options based on what kind of talk you are looking for, how long and how many swimmers/parents!

Hi Meenal, I believe we need to look at food for nourishment and to help us feel our best and live our healthiest life, not as a tool to manipulate our bodies. If losing a few lbs is something that you can do comfortably without restricting foods or nutrients, that’s fine, but I would never recommend eliminating a food or food group to do so. There is no weight or health change that can be attributed to one factor, either. Only put effort towards habits you can maintain the rest of your life, without stress or deprivation.

Kelly Jones MS, RD, CSSD

Hi, I'm Kelly, a Registered Dietitian and Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics in Greater Philly. I'm also a new mom, foodie, traveler, and fitness lover, using this blog to share recipes and tips to fueling your active lifestyle!